First Reply Returning to Eshan

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Bokken Jedi
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (Concealed)
Tag: OPEN

Lily decided to take some time and return to her home of Eshan. Not heading to the family home but the apartment that she had in the city. It was a chance to reveal the apartment's location to Kito if the Padawan wished to come visit and have a place to stay. There were enough rooms since the place was large but Lily didn't want to pressure Kito into doing anything. Leaving up to the Padawan where she ended up. After she had done that, Lily took a look around the place and breathed in deeply, it had been a long time since Lily had come to Eshan for any length of time. One of the previous times had been going to the club with some fellow Jedi. Which had been a crazy experience but one that she did reminisce with fond memories. Part of Lily wondered if she should change out of her bokken look for now, wearing something more suited for travelling around Eshan.

But every time she looked to the wardrobe or went to touch her current outfit, a new wave of sadness rolled over her. She wasn't sure what she was going to be doing next, what did someone do when they left all they have known for years? What was the plan now that she was without goals? Was an enclave and starting her own thing really what she wanted to do? Could Lily handle that level of responsibility?

She had struggled just being part of the Jedi Council on Naboo. Feeling like her views and ideas were viewed as fringed or crazy to others. Perhaps she had been too young to take on the role as she feared. But then that just made the idea of running her own thing even crazier in Lily's mind.

"I failed Kito as a Master, ugh, I would just fail others if I tried to lead right?" Lily muttered to herself as she looked in the mirror, seeing her slightly dishevelled appearance.

Life on the constant move was never going to be easy.

Shaking her head, "I just need to get out, take a walk and relax. Perhaps a friendly face will spot me... Who knows anymore." Lily sighed as she walked out of her apartment and headed back out to the streets of the city. Taking a slow and steady walk. "Where would we even have this enclave? Would people just call me crazy or a hypocrite if I tried organising it as an aggressive force against the Sith? Because Lorn was right in that there needs to be more of an effort to fight, but he wasn't handling the messaging right and I was concerned they were falling down the wrong path in trying to do right."

Many Jedi had done that, taking a darker route and ended up falling victim to the Sith or the Dark Side influence. Lily was concerned that could have ended up being the Vanguard's fate. Hence her caution, as well as the fact that they needed to mobilise as part of a larger force. Small militias were not doing enough impact from what Lily had seen, unfortunately.

Lily continued to mutter her ideas softly to herself as she walked around the streets of Eshan, lost in her thoughts.

 

[Braze]

The day had been a busy one, and Braze had just finished packaging the last of the orders he’d taken on recently, rather proud of the work he had done, especially for Corvo Anattolius on the fancy coats. His assistants had all gone home earlier that day, leaving him to finish up after closing time and make the final touches to the ensembles he had promised.

Braze was locking up after finishing at the Eshan Echelon boutique when he stepped outside, surprised to see someone he recognized from the New Jedi Order out and about. It was Lily Decoria , and she looked rather upset. Braze blinked lightly, studying her briefly before offering a warm smile.

"Hey, Lily… you doing okay?" he asked gently.

He wasn’t sure why she looked so upset, but he didn’t like seeing her in such a state. He supposed talking to her might be a step in the right direction.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Lily Decoria //:

Quinn had returned to Eshan after the events of the Outbound flight. It was easy for the new Queen to recluse and hide away, protecting herself once again. Seeing what she saw, the fluctuation of emotion she felt in her chest when she saw the look on Bastila's face. The look that wasn't directed to her, but to someone else.

A hand pressed against her forehead as she sighed. The dismissal of her handmaidens occurred without the need for words. It was easy to gather from the Queen's body language that she was in the mood to be alone. Her heart, her mind, and everything in between were a mess. Fresh air, that's what she needed.

Quickly, she changed into something simple. There was no need to be glamorous for a walk through the streets of Eshan City. As Quinn made her way towards the entryway of the palace, a guard stepped in front and leaned forward towards the Queen's ear. A whisper, a sighting of someone important to the woman's life as of recently.

"She has?" Quinn's eyes drifted from the guard as she thought quietly about the situation.

There was no hesitation; Quinn walked out the door and quickly headed towards where the guards had seen Lily Decoria wandering the streets of Eshan. Quinn didn't realize how much she needed to see the woman — especially after the whispers of what was happening within the Republic's Jedi Order.

Lily was someone she could trust; her family was close to Quinn's, and they were similar from what Quinn could see.

Stopping a bit away, Quinn spotted the woman. It was obvious something was bothering her, even if she wanted to hide it — as Echani, it was easy to see.

There was weight on her shoulders that shouldn't be there.

Quinn exhaled softly and walked up to the woman with a warm smile.

"It's nice to see a Decoria return home." Quinn's voice was soft, giving the other Echani a distraction from whatever was weighing on her mind.

"You didn't tell me you were coming home; is there an occasion?"

 

[Lily Decoria]

(OOC NOTE: I am replying to the first actual post that I saw, which was Quinn here. I was very disappointed in seeing a "tbd" as a reply to my post. That does not feel like an actual first reply and I wasn't approached OOC about it nor told how long that "tbd" could be lasting which feels very unfair. So I want to give the effort and appreciation to the person who actually did a reply to my thread.)

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Bokken Jedi
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (Concealed)
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Standing at a bakery stall, Lily was admiring the baked goods. The artistry and design of the goods were amazing as well as the intoxicating aromas. Lily ordered a couple of treats, nothing too luxurious but all the more pleasant for someone without a massive sweet tooth like Lily. It was the little moments like this that she was thankful to be home once more, time to be away from the Jedi and the drama of the political minds that were happening. Attempting to reinforce the distraction with small moments, noticing little things to not allow the big issue to loom over her head still. As she paid for the baked goods, Lily looked around and noticed that several Echani were shifting in their body, adopting more of a respectful posture and revelry in their tone.

There was only one of the royal family that would instil such a sudden change in public and Lily assumed it would be the queen as well, or at least hoped it would be. Fortune favoured Lily when she saw Quinn approach her and so very elegantly and casually struck up conversation with Lily. A feat that many would stare daggers of envy at Lily for being able to achieve.

"Well, any Decoria or me in particular? Very important to know if any Decoria would have pleased you in returning, or that I may have a special spot." Lily smirked softly, there was a small genuine smile on her lips as she offered one of the baked goods to Quinn. "A lot happened. Things deteriorated further..." There was more that Lily wanted to say but she felt the hesitation, a falter in her smile. Nothing out of distrust but difficulty in admitting the truth, allowing the pain to come to the surface once more.

Taking a step back, hating herself for needing the distance at this moment, "I am sorry I didn't let you know, my majesty. I have been a little lost, and events unfolded faster than I had planned." Looking around, she wondered where would be a good spot to sit in private. "I can discuss further, but in private. It is still fairly raw." There was a deep sigh of sadness that she released, a burden of attempting to keep a strong front that could not be maintained around other Echani. While she was not broken or spiralling downwards, Lily was in need of a friend in this moment.

She was realising how much of her life had become intertwined with the Jedi, not being in the Order, a void was making itself very aware.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Lily Decoria //:

Quinn's smile widened as Kat playfully asked for clarification on Quinn's comment about a Decoria returning. Her nose wrinkled as she playfully teased back.

"If you have to ask, then you don't know me well enough." But they both knew the answer was obviously clear.

Quinn had taken a liking to the young Decoria, not just because the woman had done her best to protect the royal, but also because there seemed to be an understanding. One that went beyond the concept of Dark and Light. While Quinn had been raised a Sith, Lily seemed to believe she had what's best for Eshan in mind first and foremost.

It was something Quinn had hoped would be infectious, allowing the other Jedi to see past her lineage and upbringing.

The smile faded as Lily confirmed that there had been several changes. Which only meant her visit and return to Eshan were not made of choice, but by circumstance.

"I'm sorry, Lily," she interjected quietly, then allowed the Jedi to continue.

Lily moved away, and Quinn didn't follow. A blessing and a curse of the Echani culture, body language and understanding. Quinn stood still, letting the woman find her footing as she seemingly peered around for privacy.

Shaking her head slightly, Quinn waved her hand.

"There's no need for an apology, Lily; life sometimes doesn't give us a chance to breathe, but when we do — that's when we find our way."

Nodding, Quinn understood what the woman needed. The Palace would be the most private they could get, and there Lily could relax and not have to keep her head up proudly. The security and secrecy of the Palace would offer a sanctuary for the Jedi.

"We can go to the palace; you can stay there as my guest till you find your way." Quinn offered her hand.

"It's the least I can do, since you were my refuge on Naboo."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Bokken Jedi
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (Concealed)
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Lily had hoped to demonstrate that the path to redemption or at least seeing if Quinn could be guided away from the Sith had been possible. If someone could be kind, honest and open to the people of Eshan as a leader, then surely they were not the same levels of evil as Carnifex and should not be seen as irredeemable as some of the Jedi Council attempted to make out to Lily. It had been difficult for the Jedi Knight since she accepted that there were ties and some biases towards Quinn in a more favourable light but no one else seemed open to even trying to view things in the manner that she did. Perhaps she had been too opiniated or demanding, but she was a warrior, not a talker. Trying to persuade people was never something Lily was skilled at.

"Do not be sorry. This was needed, it was something I had begun to realise for a long time and it reached it's climax only a few weeks ago." When it was mentioned that Lily could stay at the palace, her eyes widened, it was an honour that felt way beyond what she deserved. Something that she knew her mother and grandmother would be well over the moon upon hearing. Though Lily would never inform them of this privilege because of that reasoning. She stepped closer to Quinn, feeling welcomed in a way she had not realised she had missed.

Her silver eyes turned to Quinn once again. "I... I cannot refuse this honour. I just... I was doing my duty, I did not expect this at all my queen." Lily confessed in a whisper. She was stunned and clearly demonstrating so. Stumbling her words in a manner that Lily was not used to doing so, feeling more unbecoming than Lily had been taught to be. Taking her queen's hand, Lily felt more aware of how her hands were rougher, more calloused because of her hard training. Her body had been honed to be a weapon and therefore not as soft as some others might be.

"I do feel underdressed for staying at your palace though. Even the clothing I do own does not feel worthy." Lily confessed with a soft laugh, she was not expecting anything from Quinn just confessing how surprising this all felt. It was not the expected path that Lily thought they were heading on. Though she knew it was the correct one. To talk without being overheard or spied upon, the palace was the best location and it would also be the best place for Lily to truly clear her mind and soul from everything that happened as of late.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Lily Decoria //:

"Just Quinn, please." Quinn smiled softly.

Lily was someone that Quinn had found trust in, especially during her time in the Republic. Continuing this formality bothered Quinn. To her, Lily was a peer, a friend as much as she could be.

At the mention of being underdressed, Quinn chuckled.

"Don't worry, I'll have the palace tailors get your measurements, and we can have a few things made. You are Echani and a warrior, one that I'd like to make sure is honored and has the equipment and ornament fitting to her status."

Quinn bowed her head slightly, showing the respect that someone in Lily's position would have from their Queen. A part of her wanted to make sure that Lily felt at home on Eshan and more so at the palace. Something was going on, and until she knew exactly, she would continue to worry.

"Let's head home, make sure you have everything you'd like — whatever you're missing, I'll make sure you get."

With that said, the pair would soon make their way back to the palace. While on the way, Quinn made sure the staff knew to prepare one of the guest bedrooms for someone important to the Queen and the planet. She wouldn't reveal too much to Lily, not wanting the woman to feel guilty over just a few extra bits and bobs in her room.

It didn't take long for them to arrive; Quinn showed Lily to the room she would be allowed to stay in and let security handle getting Lily checked in. With everything going on, CT-312 had upped the required access for Quinn. This attention to detail only proved the young Queen's choice in appointing the clone to her head of security.

Another few hours passed, and Quinn was relaxing in one of the parlors. She had changed out of her more "royal" attire and into something far more comfortable. The silks that adorned her body were a staple in the Eshan market, a luxury item that was exported to several nations in the Mandalorian Empire.

She waited, with tea and snacks for Lily.

When the Echani warrior decided to grace her Queen with her presence, Quinn smiled and offered a warm cup of the sweet blossom tea that her mother often found to be her favorite.

"So, what's been troubling you, my friend?"

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Eshan
Outfit: Bokken Jedi
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (Concealed)
Tag: Quinn Varanin

Lily remained silent, the gifts, the generosity of the queen. It was something that Lily wasn't expecting and didn't know how to express gratitude for. Her gut instinct was to refuse such kindness, to say that the queen should not give such an opportunity to one as lowly as Lily. She was just some warrior that left Eshan years ago. The Echani had not done anything to elevate Eshan or her culture in the galaxy. At least that was how Lily saw herself and the lack of achievements. She also feared that the queen would expect greatness from Lily and that Lily would fail to live up to the expectations placed upon her. It was truly better to remain silent in the moment. Just to absorb everything going on. Remembering that this was what Quinn wanted to do and to refuse would be a great insult and harm the friendship the pair had formed somewhat.

When they arrived at the palace, Lily stared in awe, she had visited the palace before. As a guest for the coronation and before, as a child. However, Lily felt different now. It was the feeling of arriving not just to visit or see a once in a lifetime event. No, she was staying here. Everything felt more fantastical and elegance beyond anything that Lily would normally experience. Especially experience lately. She turned to Quinn, "my queen... Quinn. You have decorated the palace in quite the beautiful and spectacular manner." Lily complimented, still adjusting to not using the title.

It felt even harder to not give Quinn all the respect that Lily could.

"I will take some time to freshen up. Travelling does not allow the most refreshing of times." Lily mentioned with a small smile. Using the time to settle, Lily fully shower and feel her body relax a little more after dealing with all the conflicts and arguing. A tailor came and measured Lily's figure for clothing as Lily stood silently. Her mind still attempting to sieve through everything that was happening. The feelings of being welcomed and wanted by a friend in comparison to how she had felt during the later council meetings. It was a stark contrast that Lily could not feel only highlighted that the final decision she made was crucial for herself.

When informed that Quinn was in a parlour room, Lily nodded her head and with the help from a couple of servants, prepared herself to join the queen. This time, Lily was determined to look her best and embrace the Echani ways that she had left a little behind in service of the Jedi.

Arriving into the parlour room where Quinn was, Lily was wearing a white dress with accents of gold and cyan, the dress was softest of silks and fabric on Lily's skin, cut to highlight her figure and also express movement as much as it could. The jewellery was gold with cyan jewels, cyan had become such a crucial colouring for Lily that she could not imagine her outfit without it. Her hair was a final element that was woven with with jewels, made to shimmer and sparkle in the light to give an ethereal presence as she sat in the sunlight. She moved with the full grace of a master Echani warrior, it was clear as Lily settled into a chair that she was feeling more comfortable. Looking over to Quinn, Lily let out a soft giggle, "seems that I am now overdressed. Hopefully I will find the right balance while staying here." Lily joked as she accepted the tea that Quinn offered her. Taking a moment to inhale the blossom scent of the tea, Lily let her thoughts circulate for a moment before she spoke.

"I left the High Republic and their Jedi." Lily mentioned, taking a sip of the tea, her expression delighted with the taste and the delicate balance. "Hmmm, this is very good." Lily mentioned, distracting herself from what she had been saying for a moment. "Sorry, I usually try avoiding difficult conversations and topics when I can." Lily confessed before she placed the cup back on a saucer. "I am still a Jedi... Or at least I still view myself as one, but I could no longer associate with those within the High Republic, at least not those in the leadership positions."

Her fingertips caressed the arms of the chair that she was sat in, "they are making decisions that I fear are dangerous and against the way that a Jedi should be. That meeting with yourself a prime example. But there is also a schism forming, Lorn and Zark on one side and Ala on the other. I tried... I wanted to avoid a divide but the radical mindset, the darkness that I could start feeling..." Lily trailed off since she knew that Quinn knew all too well what the division could look like.

"They never heed my council, even when I lay out as plain as I can the consequences of our actions." Lily stated with a deep sigh. "It is now the first time since leaving Eshan that I am without a goal, a cause. I have been travelling, doing work as a Jedi when I could. I have some ideas of what I need to be doing next. What I could be doing next. But they seem too ambitious, too dangerous."

Looking to Quinn once again, there was a relieved sigh to have it from her chest finally before she reached out for the cup, taking another sip of the tea. Enjoying the flavours of it immensely. Her silver eyes looked to Quinn, "I don't mean to burden you with all this drama and my personal issues. Please tell me if I am speaking too much on this all or I am dampening your mood, the last thing I would wish to do is add problems." Lily confessed, she was not sure that others would think that what she was doing was a smart thing. Lily knew that Quinn was a Sith and connected deeply to the Sith Order, but she was also Lily's queen and friend. It was a strange tie but Lily needed someone who was not part of the High Republic, part of the Jedi to actually talk about it all.